Honors students enjoy many benefits including special housing, early registration for classes, special networking opportunities, and the camaraderie of peers who enjoy being intellectually engaged.

Alumni Profile

Jessica Mathews

Graduation Year: 2007

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialty in Forensics and a minor in Criminal Justice

After graduating from UE in 2007, Jessica Mathews was accepted to a professional counseling program at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. While there, she expanded her education and eventually became the only person in the history of Lipscomb to complete three master’s degrees at one time. In December 2010, she graduated with a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a Master of Arts in Conflict Management.

After graduating from Lipscomb, Jessica moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and began her career as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a National Counseling Certification for a company that does in-home counseling with foster and adopted children. In addition, she earned certification as an adoption competent counselor through the Center for Adoption Support and Education. She also serves as the President of the Missouri Mental Health Counseling Association. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jessica enjoys volunteering with the American Diabetes Association and at a local hospital.

As a UE Honors student, Jessica appreciated the variety of activities offered and the dedication of the staff and faculty. She enjoyed being a member of the Honors Program Student Advisory Council and getting to know other students in the program. She notes, “I feel like the Honors Program helped me to be able to try multiple majors and finally gave me a direction in life where I could be myself. Now, not only do I have a sense of purpose in life, but I am also passionate about my hobby of writing which I pursue with as much intensity as I do my career goals. The Honors Program made me realize I could do anything and I wanted to learn everything.”

On her future plans, Jessica explains, “I had plans to get my doctorate for the simple fact that I love school and would love to be back in a program learning anything. I have put that on hold for now due to my other goals of working at a crisis center and also of finishing and publishing my first novel.”